Category: Blog

Reflecting on the Morontia Resurrection (190:0-2)

In today’s reading we find an inspired narrative that bridges the seen and unseen, the physical and spiritual, inviting us to reflect on the eternal truths of resurrection, transformation, and the universal mission of the Messiah.

Our reading begins by describing Yeshua’s resurrected form as a morontia body, a state that mirrors the ascendant experience of mortals traversing the mansion worlds of the universe. This transitionary state, neither purely material nor entirely spiritual, embodies the bridge between temporal existence and eternal destiny. Yeshua, through his resurrection, not only proclaims victory over death but also illuminates the path for all who believe in him.
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Discipleship Training

163:0.1 A few days after the return of Jesus and the twelve to Magadan from Jerusalem, Abner and a group of some fifty disciples arrived from Bethlehem. At this time there were also assembled at Magadan Camp the evangelistic corps, the women’s corps, and about one hundred and fifty other true and tried disciples from all parts of Palestine. After devoting a few days to visiting and the reorganization of the camp, Jesus and the twelve began a course of intensive training for this special group of believers, and from this well-trained and experienced aggregation of disciples the Master subsequently chose the seventy teachers and sent them forth to proclaim the Gospel of the kingdom. This regular instruction began on Friday, November 4, and continued until Sabbath, November 19.

163:0.2 Jesus gave a talk to this company each morning. Peter taught methods of public preaching; Nathaniel instructed them in the art of teaching; Thomas explained how to answer questions; while Matthew directed the organization of their group finances. The other apostles also participated in this training in accordance with their special experience and natural talents.

This passage describes a period of dedicated preparation led by Jesus, during which He gathered His disciples and trained them intensively for their mission. After returning from Jerusalem, He organized His followers into a powerful group, equipping them to proclaim the Kingdom. Jesus’ training drew on each apostle’s unique talents: Peter taught effective preaching, Nathanael the art of teaching, Thomas how to answer tough questions, and Matthew provided guidance on managing their finances. This time of disciplined instruction and unity readied the group to bear witness to Christ’s message with clarity, purpose, and wisdom.
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Strengthening Our Faith in God During Challenging Times

“Faith is the inspiration of the spiritised creative imagination.” (BT 132:3.5)

In a world increasingly marked by turmoil, uncertainty, and hardship, the importance of strengthening our faith in God cannot be overstated. With global challenges such as economic instability, social unrest, human trafficking, and war, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, these are precisely the times when our faith can provide the solace and strength we need.

Understanding the Role of Faith
Faith is part of having a deeply personal relationship with God that sustains us through life’s trials. It offers hope when circumstances seem dire and provides a sense of purpose and direction. Strengthening our faith involves regularly nurturing this relationship, which can be achieved through prayer, reading scripture, and worship.
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Lessons from BT 141:6

Read BT (UB) 141:6.

These particular verses from the Urantia Book offer several lessons that can be drawn from Yeshua’s interaction with Simon Zelotes and Teherma, the Persian.

Inclusive Approach to Teaching
Yeshua taught the importance of focusing on what can be added to a person’s spiritual understanding rather than attempting to strip away their existing beliefs. This inclusive approach respects the individual’s background and builds on it, fostering a more receptive environment for spiritual growth.

Leading by Example
Yeshua demonstrated the power of leading by example and embodying the teachings. When Simon questioned why Teherma was more receptive to Yeshua, the answer lay in Yeshua’s ability to connect with Teherma on a deeper level, demonstrating the teachings through his actions rather than mere persuasion.

Introducing the Core Message First
Yeshua advises presenting the core message of God’s fatherhood and human sonship first, before presenting deeper spiritual teachings. This foundational understanding is crucial for further spiritual development and acceptance of more advanced concepts.

Patience and Non-Confrontation
Yeshua instructs his followers to be patient and avoid striving with others. This patient approach allows seekers to come to the truth in their own time, fostering a more genuine and lasting acceptance.

Spiritual Rebirth
The concept of being “reborn” spiritually is central. Yeshua indicates that one must first experience a spiritual awakening before they can understand deeper spiritual truths. This shows the transformative process required for true spiritual insight.

Role as Ambassadors
Yeshua reminds his followers that they are ambassadors of God’s kingdom, not proprietors. Their role is to share the good news and facilitate entry into the kingdom, not to impose their own authority or control.

Baptism of the Spirit
Yeshua contrasts John’s baptism with water with the baptism of the Spirit that signifies entry into the kingdom of heaven. This signifies a deeper, internal transformation rather than just an external ritual.

These lessons collectively emphasise an approach to spiritual teaching that is respectful, patient, inclusive, and focused on inner transformation and foundational truths.

Does God Care About Us?

One of the most oft asked questions that has occupied the minds of humanity throughout the ages is whether God, the Creator of the universe, genuinely cares about the individual human beings who inhabit this vast cosmos. It is a question that touches the core of our existence, prompting us to ponder the nature of divinity and our place within creation.

In seeking answers to this inquiry, we turn to the teachings of the Urantia Book. The Urantia Book, also called the Book of Truth, offers us remarkable insights into the nature of God and His relationship with His creatures. According to the Book, the concept of God as a caring and loving Father is central to understanding the divine nature. The Book portrays God as a benevolent and compassionate Being who is intimately involved in the lives of His children. We read of God’s infinite love and concern for each individual soul: Truly of the human race has it been said, You are of God because he who dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him. This verse shows the inseparable bond between God and His creation, affirming that His love permeates every aspect of existence.
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Advent Season

The Book of Truth (Urantia Book) provides us with insights into the significance of the Advent season, albeit the word is not explicitly used in this sense. The Book offers a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, whom it refers to as Michael of Nebadon, and provides a comprehensive narrative of his earthly sojourn. During this period, the Book emphasizes the spiritual nature of Jesus’ mission and the purpose behind his incarnation on Urantia.

The Advent season, as celebrated in traditional Christianity, marks the anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, the Christ. The Book correlates with this concept, portraying Michael’s earthly life as a pivotal event in the spiritual evolution of the planet. The teachings of Jesus, as elucidated in the Book, focus on deep spiritual truths, urging his disciples to seek a deeper understanding of the Universal and to embrace a life of love, service, and righteousness.

The Book helps us see the life-changing power of Jesus’ teachings, urging followers to embark on a personal and committed spiritual journey. The Advent season, therefore, can be seen as a symbolic representation of the ongoing spiritual journey that we undertake in our quest for higher spiritual attainment, guided by the timeless teachings of Michael of Nebadon.
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The Master’s New Revelation

“The great hope of Urantia lies in the possibility of a new revelation of Jesus with a new and enlarged presentation of his saving message which would spiritually unite in loving service the numerous families of his present-day professed followers.” (195:10.16)

The hope expressed in this passage helps us see that the “new revelation” has the power to create spiritual unity among the diverse groups that identify themselves as followers of Jesus on Urantia/Earth. The new revelation of Jesus is the foundation for the dynamic nature of spiritual understanding and the continuous unfolding of divine truths to humanity. Revelations are not static but are instead progressive, adapting to the evolving needs and capacities of individuals and societies. The teaching concerning a new and enlarged presentation of Jesus’ saving message is an acknowledgment of the changing circumstances and consciousness of the world.
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“Two Fundamental Laws of Living”

Jesus (Yeshua) said: “The people of another age will better understand the gospel of the kingdom when it is presented in terms expressive of the family relationship—when man understands religion as the teaching of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, sonship with God.” Then the Master discoursed at some length on the earthly family as an illustration of the heavenly family, restating the two fundamental laws of living: the first commandment of love for the father, the head of the family, and the second commandment of mutual love among the children, to love your brother as yourself. And then he explained that such a quality of brotherly affection would invariably manifest itself in unselfish and loving social service. (142:7.4)

The Master imparts a significant insight into the understanding of the gospel of the kingdom. He placed his focus on the importance of presenting spiritual truths in terms of the family relationship, saying that individuals of a future era will better comprehend the teachings when expressed through the familial context. This metaphorical approach, using the family structure as an illustration of the heavenly family, serves to demonstrate the divine principles inherent in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
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Genuine Spiritual Faith

“Genuine spiritual faith… Maintains a divine trust in ultimate victory in spite of the cruelties of seemingly blind fate and the apparent utter indifference of natural forces to human welfare.” (101:3.4)

Genuine spiritual faith transcends the temporal challenges posed by the seemingly capricious nature of fate and the apparent indifference of natural forces to human welfare. It is rooted in a deep trust in ultimate victory, a trust that emanates from an understanding of the divine order underlying the complexities of existence. In the face of the cruelties that may unfold in the course of human experience, spiritual faith acts as a steadfast anchor. It provides solace and assurance that extends beyond the immediate challenges presented by a chaotic world. The acknowledgment of divine trust is s foundation stone for belief in a higher purpose and a cosmic plan that transcends the limitations of mortal comprehension.
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The Union of Two Natures

“There was one feature of the bestowal of Michael which was utterly foreign to the Jewish conception of the Messiah, and that was the union of the two natures, the human and the divine. The Jews had variously conceived of the Messiah as perfected human, superhuman, and even as divine, but they never entertained the concept of the union of the human and the divine. And this was the great stumbling block of Jesus’ early disciples. They grasped the human concept of the Messiah as the son of David, as presented by the earlier prophets; as the Son of Man, the superhuman idea of Daniel and some of the later prophets; and even as the Son of God, as depicted by the author of the Book of Enoch and by certain of his contemporaries; but never had they for a single moment entertained the true concept of the union in one earth personality of the two natures, the human and the divine. The incarnation of the Creator in the form of the creature had not been revealed beforehand. It was revealed only in Jesus (Yeshua); the world knew nothing of such things until the Creator Son was made flesh and dwelt among the mortals of the realm.” (136:1.6)

I must admit that when I first heard about the Urantia Book, what our community often calls the Book of Truth, Truth Book or simply “The Book,” I was skeptical. I started out by reading about the Book instead of initially reading the Book itself. This caused even more concern because what I was reading was written by detractors of the Book who had never even read it in the first place. I prayed for several weeks about it and finally had enough courage to begin reading, starting with Part IV, the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ. Coming from a Catholic background I was somewhat nervous as to what I was going to be reading. One of my main concerns was probably about how certain nominal Christians had claimed that the Book denied the divinity of the Messiah. As I continued reading and studying, with the Bible in one hand, I could see that their claims were not true. One verse in the Book stood out for me – 136:1.6. In my mind this was clear evidence of truth regarding the divine and human natures of Jesus.
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